Twelve Powerful Words In Math and Science

What Works in Teaching Math?

12 Powerful Words

Larry Bell is a national speaker. He talks about closing the achievement gap. He has suggested 12 Powerful Words that every student should know starting in kindergarten. These words trip up students on standardized tests.

Trace – an indication that something has been present

Analyze – break down into components or essential features

Infer – conclude by reasoning

Evaluate – estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of

Formulate – prepare according to instructions

Describe – give a statement representing something

Support – the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening

Explain – make plain and comprehensible

Summarize -present the main points in a concise form

Compare – examine and note the similarities or differences of

Contrast – the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared